Pre/post '76 CJ5's: THAT much difference?!

I've been looking online and thru some catalogs trying to spruce up my 1955 CJ5 and make it more usable as a near-daily driver. I'm talking the Tuffy center consoles, overhead soundbars, 3 point seatbelts, and so forth... you know, minor additions. The downside is that all the catalogs list these accessories as " '76-'06 CJ & Wrangler".

I understand the windshield width is different, as well as some other 'major' body differences but are these minor accessories REALLY not compatible with the early CJ's?!

Excuse my ignorance but I just don't understand why things like a center console would be so different (except maybe needing a little floor plate to bridge the gap where the gas tank drops in).

What's y'alls experience? Trust the catalog? Ignore them unless a major body or engine part? Get the part anyway knowing it will work with perhaps slight modification?

Thanks!

 

Pretty much the only things that were saved were the exterior body panels from the cowl back, pre to post 76. Different floors, interior, dash, frame, axles, engines transmissions, brakes, dash, instruments, etc. etc.

The windshield width is different at the top, but the bottom width did not change.

 

I only had to redrill 2 holes in each seat frame (could have cut and rewelded the pass side) to mount the 76+ seats.

 

I used one out of a Wrangler/CJ that a friend's son gave me in my 58. IIRC had to use some spacers on side next to tank. Drilled holes and bolted directly to passenger side tool box. hth

 

Your best course (IMO) is to assume nothing interchanges, and then ask about specific items.

 

You referring to a console? You didn't state what item you are referring to.

:?

Thanks!

 

Tuffy console

 

Oh, fantastic! Tuffy's one of the ones I was looking at! Glad to hear it didn't entail too much in modifications.

 

I made the Currie rear bumper/tire carrier combo work on mine. Involved drilling and tapping some holes. I think you can just about make most stuff work. It seems even the stuff for the '55-'75 is never "bolt in" anyway. I usually just buy it and then see how much work it will be to make it fit. If it's too much, I send the part back.